Halloween is the perfect excuse to have fun with food, and this Halloween Eyeball Pasta with Meatball “Eyeballs” is a spooky hit. It strikes the right balance between creepy and delicious, making it a favorite whether you’re hosting a party or simply spicing up family dinner.
Juicy meatballs transform into eerie “eyeballs” with mozzarella and olives, served on a bed of al dente pasta in a rich tomato sauce. The best part? It’s easy to make and delivers plenty of flavor without extra effort.
What sets this dish apart is its ability to be both spooky and mouthwatering—those tender meatballs filled with gooey cheese are hard to resist.
Plus, Halloween food has never been this fun and tasty! It’s always a showstopper at our Halloween gatherings, and I guarantee it’ll become a favorite at yours too. So go ahead, give it a try, and share your creepy creations!
Why I Love This Recipe (And You Will Too)
- It’s festive and flavorful! The meatball “eyeballs” add a spooky twist while keeping it comforting.
- The mozzarella surprise in each “eyeball” is always a hit, especially with kids.
- This dish is super easy to make and doesn’t require any special ingredients—perfect for busy Halloween evenings.
- I love how adaptable it is! You can add extra spice, swap the pasta, or use gluten-free options.
- The recipe fits easily into party menus without much extra effort but gets all the attention!
Halloween Eyeball Pasta Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Small ice cream scoop
- Cooking spray
- Ladle
- Fork (for twirling pasta nests)
- Knife (for cutting mozzarella)
- Pot (for cooking noodles)
- Strainer (for draining noodles)
- Serving bowls or plates
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef lean
- 1/2 cup onion grated
- 2 eggs
- 2 cloves garlic crushed
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt or to taste
- 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
- 4 cups spaghetti sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 8 green olives with pimento
- mozzarella cheese slices
- black olives
- spaghetti noodles
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients (except spaghetti sauce) together by hand until well combined.
- Form small meatballs, slightly smaller than a golf ball, using your hands or a scoop.
- Spray the Instant Pot with cooking spray and pour in the spaghetti sauce.
- Place the meatballs in the sauce, layering if needed, without squishing them.
- Seal the Instant Pot, set to high pressure for 7 minutes, and let it slow release for 5 minutes before quick releasing the pressure.
- Cook and drain noodles as directed on the package.
- Toss the noodles with the sauce and form “nests” by twirling them in a serving ladle.
- Add mozzarella and olive “eyes” to the meatballs, then place them on the spaghetti. Garnish with green olives if desired.
